Cholesteatoma

Cholesteatoma is the most common and life-threatening form of chronic otitis media. It is a lesion in which keratinized squamous epithelium accumulates in the mastoid, middle ear, or petrous bone, causing gradual expansion of these structures and destruction of locoregional tissues. Despite extensive research, the etiopathogenesis of cholesteatoma is not fully understood. Although it is not a malignant lesion, cholesteatoma can destroy the temporal bone and cranium and cause significant complications. The main characteristic of cholesteatoma is that it causes bone loss. It can affect the anatomical and functional structures of the ear. In addition to causing hearing and balance problems, it can cause irreversible facial paralysis by destroying the facial nerve, which is anatomically located in the ear. Early diagnosis and treatment of the disease are very important. In addition, a comprehensive understanding of the past and recent advances in biomolecular research on acquired cholesteatoma may help in the development of an effective management strategy, as no valid nonsurgical treatment has been developed to date.